Remembering a Pacific Pioneer
The Honorable Arnold Indalecio Palacios, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), passed away yesterday (July 23, 2025). Surrounded by loved ones, he was 69 years old.
Blue Planet Alliance had the distinct honor of working with this visionary climate leader and his constituents. CNMI was one of the eight islands to take part in our inaugural Fellowship Program cohort in the fall of 2023, and we visited CNMI the following year, conducting a renewable workshop for local stakeholders. During that visit, Gov. Palacios signed a Blue Planet Climate Agreement, pledging his island to a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045.
At the time, Gov. Palacios had said, “In the Northern Mariana Islands, we understand the urgent and necessary imperative to transition to clean energy. It's essential for economic development and energy resiliency. It's essential for survival. We are pleased to join our fellow islanders in Blue Planet Alliance in moving the world to a greener and healthier future, powered by renewable energy. Islands are lighting the way."
“Governor Palacios will be remembered as the man who put CNMI on the path to 100% renewable energy,” said Blue Planet Alliance founder Henk Rogers today, in tribute to the late Governor. “He was a pioneer and a true leader.”
The Marianas Variety — a Micronesian newspaper — reported that the Governor passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. It also noted that, as a dedicated public servant for more than three decades, Gov. Palacios “served the people of the CNMI with unwavering commitment, compassion, and integrity. From his early service in the Legislature to his time as Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and ultimately as Governor, he was a tireless advocate for good governance, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the well-being of all who call the Marianas home.”
We send our condolences to his family, as well as to the people of CNMI, and we look to continue the work that Gov. Palacios started on bringing renewable energy to CNMI with Acting Governor David M. Apatang.